House Oversight Chairman Resubmits Criminal Referral: Cuomo Accused of Lying Under Oath in COVID Nursing Home Probe
WASHINGTON, D.C. — House Oversight and Accountability Chairman James Comer (R-KY) on Monday delivered a resubmitted criminal referral to U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, demanding prosecution of disgraced former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo for knowingly lying under oath during investigations into his administration’s handling of the COVID-19 nursing home crisis.
The referral cites Cuomo’s violation of 18 U.S.C. §1001, a federal statute criminalizing false statements to Congress, and centers on his alleged attempt to cover up his personal involvement in drafting a New York Department of Health (NYSDOH) report that downplayed the effects of his fatal March 25, 2020 directive.
“Lying to Congress is a federal crime,” Comer said. “This wasn’t a slip-up—it was a calculated cover-up.”
The Criminal Referral: A Second Demand for Accountability
Chairman Comer’s letter to Attorney General Bondi outlines specific instances where Cuomo allegedly gave materially false statements during a June 11, 2024 transcribed interview. Cuomo denied having any role in writing or reviewing the controversial July 6, 2020 NYSDOH report, which attempted to absolve his administration of responsibility for COVID-related nursing home deaths.
But newly revealed evidence contradicts his sworn testimony, showing Cuomo personally edited and shaped the report’s contents, according to emails, witness testimony, and internal drafts.
“The Biden administration failed to act on the original referral,” Comer wrote. “We are now calling on Attorney General Bondi to enforce the law without political bias.”
Key Timeline of Cuomo’s COVID Cover-Up
March 25, 2020
Cuomo’s administration orders COVID-positive patients into nursing homes, exposing vulnerable populations to the virus.
July 6, 2020
NYSDOH publishes a report blaming nursing home staff — not Cuomo’s directive — for the surge in deaths. Cuomo denies involvement in its creation.
January 28, 2021
New York AG Letitia James finds Cuomo’s administration underreported nursing home deaths by as much as 50%.
June 11, 2024
Cuomo testifies under oath that he did not participate in or review the July 6 report — a claim now refuted by documentation.
October 30, 2024
The Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic sends its initial criminal referral to the DOJ under the Biden administration — which takes no action.
April 21, 2025
Chairman Comer resubmits the referral to new Attorney General Pam Bondi, demanding accountability.
Cuomo’s Attempt to Influence Witnesses
The referral also highlights troubling behavior involving witness tampering. On September 25, 2024, the Committee released evidence suggesting Cuomo attempted to influence a witness, potentially obstructing the investigation into the March 25 directive.
The Oversight Committee subpoenaed current New York Governor Kathy Hochul after her office allegedly withheld documents related to Cuomo’s decisions and their consequences.
Comer: “Cuomo Must Be Prosecuted”
“Andrew Cuomo is a man with a history of corruption and deceit,” said Comer.
“This is about justice for the thousands of families who lost loved ones in nursing homes because of his reckless policies. It’s time he’s held to account under the law.”
Chairman Comer emphasized that the House Oversight Committee stands ready to cooperate fully with the Department of Justice in pursuing prosecution.
What’s Next?
Attorney General Pam Bondi, appointed by President Trump, is expected to review the referral and determine whether criminal charges will be filed. Legal experts say if prosecuted under 18 U.S.C. §1001, Cuomo could face up to five years in federal prison per count of false testimony.
The resubmitted referral signals a reinvigorated push by Republicans to revisit pandemic-era failures and demand justice for the thousands of lives lost under Cuomo’s directives — and now, the falsehoods told to hide them.
For further details, review:
- [Full Letter to Attorney General Bondi]
- [Criminal Referral and Supporting Documents]
- [Cuomo’s Transcribed Testimony Transcript]
